Introduction to the Liturgy – Vanishing Wealth – In this rather sardonic way, Qoheleth (Ecclesiastes’ Hebrew name) looks at experience and sees nothing but irony in the fact that those who work hard to achieve a certain position in life end up leaving everything to someone who has made little or no contribution.  This is part of life’s folly.  Luke’s largely self-explanatory parable of the wealthy farmer points up the foolishness of investing energy single-mindedly in the passing things of this life.  Paul rounds out today’s theme by telling the Colossians to set their gaze on the things of God where our true destiny lies.  Where our treasure is, there will our heart be.

From the Saints – From a letter attributed to Barnabas – The Lord has given us these three basic doctrines: hope for eternal life, the beginning and end of our faith; justice, the beginning and end of righteousness; and love, which bears cheerful and joyous witness to the works of righteousness. Now the Lord has made the past and present known to us through his prophets, and he has given us the ability to taste the fruits of the future beforehand. Thus, when we see prophecies fulfilled in their appointed order, we ought to grow more fully and deeply in awe of him. (Matins, 18^th Sunday of Ordinary Time)

In your prayers kindly remember the sick and those who care for them, the lonely, the handicapped, those isolated, and those who have died, especially John O’Brien, Theresa Kelly, Kurtis Armstrong, Sonny Buske, Norman Griffith, Mary Flood and Fred Lapierre.

HAVE A BLESSED AND HOLY WEEK

Your total offering for last Sunday was $2718.05

Thank you for your generosity and support

O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me!
You are my rescuer, my help;
O Lord, do not delay.

(Entrance Antiphon – 18^th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

FROM THE RECTOR’S DESK:  It is with sadness and hope that we say our farewells to our seminarian Lukas Casta.  Lukas will be studying for another two years at St. Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto.  We are extremely grateful for the variety of assistance that Lukas has given to the parish over the last year. During that time, we moved our office and everything else out of the rectory. Lukas pitched in wherever he was needed, thank you Lukas.  I ask that you keep Lukas in your prayers during his studies and that he will embrace Gods calling.  Father Jim

NOTICE FROM THE PARISH OFFICE:  From July 1^st until September 6^th the Parish Office will be open Mondays thru Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Thank you.

CIVIC HOLIDAY:  Please note that the Rectory Office will be closed on Monday August 1, 2022 for the Civic Holiday.  Wishing everyone a blessed and safe long weekend.

Gift Shop: The Gift Shop will be open following the 10:30am Mass every Sunday starting in September, the exact date will be announced. If you wish to purchase anything from the gift shop in the meantime, please contact Becky Chaput at 732-8711.

JOIN AN ONLINE PRAYER GROUP FOR THE EVANGELIZATION PROJECT: Join us online every Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. to intercede for the evangelization efforts in the diocese of Pembroke. We pray the rosary, sometimes a novena, or meditate on a Gospel passage. The zoom link to connect is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81378641646.

WOJTYLA SUMMER INSTITUTE: Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College is hosting its annual Wojtyla Summer Institute in-person in Barry’s Bay from August 4-7. This year’s theme, “Know Thyself”: Catholic Perspectives on the Human Person,” addresses ways in which the integrity of the human person is being challenged, and seeks to find connections among the various Catholic perspectives to form a unified view of who we are and how we should live. The conference features a keynote address by Fr. Mark Goring, CC, in St. Hedwig’s Parish, which will be free and open to the public, as well as livestreamed. Some accommodations are available. Space is limited for the in-person conference. Find more information, and register at seatofwisdom.ca/wojtyla-2022.

Madonna House is celebrating 75 Years in Combermere: Join us for an open house & picnic on Sunday, September 4^th from 1-9 p.m.

1-3:00 p.m.   Main House/Training Centre tours: Take time to pray at Our Lady of Combermere and The Island Chapel & Catherine’s cabin. MH Gift Shop, Book Shop & Pioneer Museum will be open. See St. Raphael’s Handicraft Center and Outdoor Kiln.

3-9:00 p.m.    St. Mary’s (2768 Dafoe Road): Tea Time/Activities for families, adoration & benediction

6:00 p.m.  Picnic Supper: Every family should bring a picnic supper (no grilling). Madonna House is providing dessert.

6-9:00 p.m.   Bonfire/Music/Visiting.

Another way you can join in our celebration is to watch for photos and videos posted at: www.madonnahouse.org/75th

Who Was St. Barnabas?

St. Barnabas was a Jew from Cyprus who, with St. Paul, was an apostle to the gentiles. We know that when Paul, who had been a persecutor of Christians, was converted and wanted to join Jesus’ followers, the disciples were understandably skeptical about Paul. It was Barnabas who advocated for him and encouraged others to forgive him. Barnabas is, therefore, considered the patron saint of second chances.

A major debate in the early Church was whether gentiles must be circumcised and observe Jewish law to become Christians. Barnabas was instrumental in reaching a compromise that preserved the community and he became known as the “son of encouragement.” The Acts of the Apostles also recounts his central role in sending aid to those impacted by a famine.    Blessed Barnabas, pray for us.

mycatholiclife.com                           Saint Barnabas, you gathered infant Christianity from its cradle and carried it into the     world beyond. You poured the message of salvation into new wineskins without any guile. May all Christians be so      confident, so convincing, and so successful through your intercession.